We have gone back to 1860, says Chidambaram on gay sex verdict: highlights

New Delhi: The Supreme Court yesterday reinstated a ban on gay sex in a major setback for rights campaigners in the world's biggest democracy. In an interview with NDTV, Finance Minister P Chidambaram said he is 'extremely disappointed' with the verdict.

Here are the highlights:

Extremely disappointed with the judgement

Reasoning of judgement worrying, LGBTs are a reality, they have existed for centuries

We have gone back to 1860

In 2013, to say everyone should have same sexual orientation is absurd

UPA will look at all options

Petition legislative option takes time, but I am not ruling it out

Our knowledge of physiology and psychology was poor in 1860, now to say same sexual intercourse is against order of nature is retrograde

Attorney General to explore options to bring curative petition for matter to go to a larger bench

Government should file curative petition, ask for matter to be reviewed by bench of 5 judges

We didn't change the law as there was no need as it had been read down by High Court

Supreme Court should have applied current social values- same court allowed live in and out of wed lock children